NSF promises female representation if elections contested

At least a third of the National Salvation Front’s (NSF) list candidates will be female if the opposition bloc decides to contest parliamentary elections.

NSF member Neveen Mosa’ad made the pledge at a meeting with women’s rights activists on Tuesday in response to criticism that the opposition bloc did not have enough female representation.

Activists at the meeting also criticised the NSF for slow decision-making, not communicating with the street and not supporting Egyptian youth.

Political science professor Mosa’ad said she had raised many of these issues within the front, which is currently restructuring.

Judge Tahany Al-Gebali promised the NSF would work alongside female activists to promote their mutual interests.

Gebali said: “The results of the meeting were positive. It proves we’re heading towards a stronger structure of the front.”

Activist Shahenda Maqlad agreed that the meeting was a success, saying: “This could be the birth of an Egyptian women’s movement.”

Tayseer Fahmy, Egyptian actor and women’s rights activist said it was important for the NSF to listen to women. “We need unity, and we need to have female Egyptians represented on the political field and in the elections,” she said.

Former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahy, lawyer Mona Zu Al-Faqqar and labour leader Ahmed Al-Boraei were also present at the meeting, representing the NSF.